“The Great”: LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson hails Coco Gauff being first American woman to win Beijing title since 2013
LSU Tigers' Flau’jae Johnson congratulated tennis star Coco Gauff for becoming the first American woman to win the China Open since the legendary Serena Williams in 2013. Gauff beat Karolina Muchova 6-1 6-3 on Sunday in Beijing to take the title.
Johnson tagged the tennis star in a post on Instagram and added her song, 'Came Out A Beast'.
"The Great," the guard wrote.
With the win, Gauff also made WTA history, becoming the first woman to win her first seven hard-court finals in the Open Era.
Flau’jae Johnson all ready for her junior season with LSU
After their Elite Eight exit last season, the LSU Tigers failed to defend their 2023 NCAA championship win. They will look to bring the title to Baton Rouge in the upcoming season with Flau’jae Johnson leading the team.
In an interview with Fox News, the guard commented on her new role after Angel Reese moved to the WNBA:
"Year three, (my) college career is kind of coming to an end. … it's crazy to say that. I'm an upperclassman now, but I'm just focusing on being in the best shape that I (can), definitely just being more consistent with my shot.
"I know the system, I know what I have to do. So, it's just about being a consistent player and now taking on a leadership role. Angel is no longer there, it's now me. I just have to take that on and try to be the best leader that I can."
At the same time, Flau’jae Johnson will also look to expand her growing NIL profile. The guard is ranked in college women's basketball NIL valuation ($1.4 million) (per On3).
“Determining the value for NIL deals is something I take very seriously,” Johnson said (via Sports Illustrated). “Between my music career and brand endorsements, my deals amount to about $4.5 million, which gives a substantial indication of my market value."
"Sometimes it's not even about the money; you know, sometimes you learn that it's about building relationships and connections," Johnson said (via WJCL). "So even my freshman year, even now, if I feel like a deal is worth it, I'll like to exchange something like, OK, maybe it's not as monetary, but it's something else."
The LSU Tigers are set to start their 2024-25 season on Nov. 4 against Eastern Kentucky.
Also read: "Don't think people understand what we are watching" - LSU’s Flau'jae Johnson hypes "generational talent" Travis Hunter